AB-2012: School and community college employees: parental leave.

Would require, regardless of the type of differential pay system used by a school district or community college district, a person employed in a position requiring certification qualifications and a person employed in an academic position to receive no less than 50% of his or her regular salary for the remaining portion of the 12-workweek period of parental leave. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AAP Positional Letter

RE: ​AB 2012 (Medina) School and community college employees: parental leaveAAP-CA Position: Support

Dear Chair Medina,

The American Academy of Pediatrics, California (AAP-CA), representing over 5,000 California pediatricians, strongly supports AB 2012 (Medina), which would require, regardless of the type of differential pay system used by the school district or community college district, a person employed in an academic institution to receive no less than 50% of his or her regular salary for the remaining portion of the 12 workweek period of parental leave.

A child’s health and well-being is greatly affected by the presence or absence of a consistent parent or caregiver, especially at the earliest stages of development. Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy infants not be placed in childcare until they are at least 12 weeks old, as newborns experience rapid developmental changes during this period and are at greater risk of developing severe, difficult-to-detect illness.

Parental leave also facilitates the establishment of ongoing breastfeeding, which has health benefits for both mother and baby. Studies have shown that breastfeeding has a positive impact on a child’s cognitive development, reduces a child’s risk of developing chronic diseases in the future, and reduces a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

AB 2012 (Medina) would strengthen California’s parental leave laws by ensuring that part-time faculty working in differential pay districts receive no less than 50% of their regular salary for the remaining portion of the 12 workweek period of parental leave. Children of these faculty members across the state would benefit from the consistent presence of a loving parent/guardian in the first months of their lives.

Pediatrician members of AAP California Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 across the state urge you to vote AYE on AB 2012 (Medina). Thank you for your public service and leadership on behalf of the health and wellbeing of children, youth, and families in California.

Sincerely,

Melissa J. Ruiz, M.D., M.P.H., Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Early Career Physician Representative, American Academy of Pediatrics, California

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